Where Do Artists Make Art In Aloha?

“My studio has a large window that beams with daylight.  My easel is set up beside the window, a small table below the window holds my palette and supplies.  A larger desk sits in the middle of the room for studio paintings, gesso canvases and boards,” says painter, Michele Bufton.

Ana Quinn, ceramic artist describes her studio, “My studio has a deck with a sliding glass door which gave me a view of my garden, however, I just purchased an upload gas kiln which now sits on a palette in front of my deck. Besides my new kiln, I have an electric potter's wheel, two utility sinks, 2 work tables, and an electric kiln in the garage to bisque my work.”

See where artists make art in your neighborhood during Washington County Open Studios Tour, October 17 and 18 from 11 am to 5 pm. Over 40 artists will be opening their studio doors for you.  And it’s FREE.

“The magic of silk painting is done in the kitchen on my wide counter with a huge plastic cover and vinyl flooring! I have water available and easy clean up if the day turns messy,” says Patti Isaacs, silk artist.

Encaustic artist, Evelyn Fritz says, “My studio is in my home and it is divided into two areas.  The main studio and my little encaustic corner, which overlooks my patio.”

Inside or outside, upstairs or down, artists find many creative ways to create.  And they’ll show how they do it and where October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm. Free tour map and artist information is on the Washington County Open Studios Tour website www.washcoart.org

Meet the Artist: Michele Bufton.

How does an artist get started making art?  Where do they get their inspiration?  What kind of weird things do they use to make art?  And where do they create?

Get the answers and see inside all 41 artists’ studios during the 2015 Washington County Open Studios tour October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm.

Here’s a quick interview with one of this year’s new artists, Michele Bufton.

Can you describe your studio?

“My studio is a small room dedicated to all things Art.  It has a large window that beams with daylight.  My easel is set up beside the window, a small desk size table below the window to hold my palette and supplies.  A larger desk sits in the middle of the room, on which I lay out subject matter for studio paintings, gesso canvases and boards, and place recently completed paintings to dry.” 

When you begin your work, what inspires you and/or gets you going?

“I get inspired to paint by looking at paintings sitting on my easel.  Passages in the paintings draw my attention and lead me into painting.  Before long, the hours have passed.  I like to leave the painting up and reflect back on it after a day of painting.”

How did you find your way to art?

“I began painting in acrylics at the age of eleven and have always been fascinated with the intensity and subtleness of color.  I've always painted throughout my life, but my intense study of art began in 1994.  After raising three children and a career in the Hospitality Industry, my love of art led to exploration in a variety of mediums (Watercolor, Acrylic, oil).  I've studied with many artists over the years with each offering their expertise to culminate into the skills that I have today.  I enjoy studio painting where my surroundings and supplies are easily accessible.  I also enjoy venturing out to plein air painting.”

I will have a solo show in September at the Lake Oswego Review.  I currently am a member of the Westside Artists Guild, a group of plein air painters which travel to local areas and paint.  We also have a monthly critique group. I am a juried member of Lake Area Artists and show curator for 2014 and 2015, as well as Vice President.  I am President of Lake Area Artists for the upcoming year, starting in September. 

What different materials or techniques do you use and how does that inspire you?

“I've been known to use a variety of techniques in painting.  Thin glazes, thick impasto, gesso, papers, inks.  All have their place in the studio.  Each piece of art that I create is a moment, a feeling, an emotion, translated through my eyes to share with the viewer.”

When people come to your studio, what will they see you doing …what part of your process?

“During open studios, I will set up a still life to paint in my studio, or in the front yard.  And weather permitting, I will be painting. “

Meet Michele and all the other 40 artists October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm during the Washington County Open Studios tour.  Get a FREE tour map and information online at www.washcoart.org

What Inspires Artists in Aloha?

 “I get inspired to paint by looking at paintings sitting on my easel.  Passages in the paintings draw my attention and lead me into painting.  Before long, the hours have passed.  I like to leave the painting up and reflect back on it after a day of painting,” says painter, Michele Bufton.

Encaustic artist, Evelyn Fritz says, “I love to experiment so any new tool or method that helps me to create texture sets me into a creative mood.”

You’ll get to see the magic of creation and inspiration that turns ordinary materials into art for FREE.  During the Washington County Open Studios tour, 41 artists will be opening up their studios  October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5 pm right in your own neighborhood.

“Inspiration comes to me in many ways. An idea or word, something I've seen or a feeling I want to express. I will sometimes wake in the middle of the night or be unable to fall asleep due to a deluge of ideas spilling out of my mind.  I also find being with other creative individuals keeps me motivated and inspired,” says silk painter, Patti Isaacs.

Ceramic artist, Ana Quinn says, “My cats, ancient art forms, and the life cycle of the salmon as well as how colors play against each other. I make both functional and decorative work.  I just finished a dinnerware set for a niece and am working on a series of fantastic birds.”

There's so much to see!  And all for FREE!   So make your calendar for October 17 & 18^th from 11 am to 5 pm for the Washington County Open Studios tour.  For more info on artists and tour map go online at www.washcoart.org